In today’s time and age, social media has become embedded in the daily workings of not only corporate organisations but also that of the government authorities. Governments around the world are looking to innovate and find ways to engage with tech savvy audience of today. As in the words of Hugh Elliot, former Director of Communications, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, “Diplomacy is about understanding and exercising power. Power is about presence. Today, to be known, you must be digital.” Hugh Elliot’s words are a clear manifestation of how governments today think of social media. UK government understands that digital technology and social media spaces have an enormous potential to engage, do business and provide services. Foreign and Commonwealth Organisation is an important part of the Whitehall and thus pioneered digital transformation within the organisation. Quick Facts about Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Commonly known as Foreign Office, it is the UK government’s department responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide. Their network consists of 22 Central Foreign Office social media accounts, 268 Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates in 168 countries with pretty active social media accounts. Collectively they have over 7 million followers on their more than 700 official social media profiles across the world, on channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with their most popular content reaching hundreds of thousands of people. “Today it’s (digital communications) absolutely central to the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It’s a key tool in our diplomatic arsenal and skilful digital communications is increasingly non-negotiable for modern diplomacy. Those who do it best will set the agenda and ultimately effect change. Jack Pearson, Senior Digital Communications Manager. Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a vision to see digital embedded in every element of foreign policy, leading to more effective, more open FCO that can take full advantage of the networked world. Customer Services: FCO has a vision to provide its services digitally by default, allowing them to deliver more effective and responsive services. Thus maximising the resource available for those in need of assistance. Online platforms offered that cost effective solution for them. As per Rob Eason, Managing Director, Global Digital Technology at FCO Services, We are looking at Big Data and big data analytics as methods of improving our insight into how our global network runs. The analysis we hope to get will allow us to optimise the performance of our overseas… Read more »